Pressure sensitive adhesives

ABSTRACT

A pressure-sensitive adhesive copolymer material formed from (A) 50-80 percent by weight of at least one diester of fumaric acid and a saturated monovalent aliphatic alcohol containing from 3 to 12 carbon atoms, (B) 18-40 percent by weight of at least one vinyl compound copolymerizable with (A) and (C) from 0.5 to 15 percent of at least one monoolefinic polar compound copolymerizable with (A) and (B) having a polar group from carboxyl, carboxamide, dicarboxylic acid anhydride and dicarboximide; or from (A), (B) and (D) from 0.1 to 10 percent by weight of at least one monoolefinic compound copolymerizable with (A) and (B) having self cross-linkable groups from hydroxy, epoxy, N-methylolamide, aldehyde and isocyanate groups; or from (A), (B), (C) and (D) and which contains from 0.1 to 10 percent by weight of the copolymers of a crosslinking active polyfunctional compound for copolymers of the foregoing components in at least a partially cross-linked state.

United States Patent [191 [111 3,880,813

Guse et al. 5] Apr. 29, 1975 PRESSURE S ENSITIVE ADHESIVES 3763.1 I7 10/1973 McKcnna et al 260/785 E Inventors: Gamer s Hanns Geurg etsch, 3,790,533 2/1974 Samourm. 260/785 R h of Hamburg Germany Primary ExaminerLucille M. Phynes [73] Assignee: Beiersdorf Aktiengesellschaft, Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Stevens, Davis, Miller &

Hamburg, Germany Mosher 22 F1 d: A l 1972 I 1 57 ABSTRACT [21] Appl' 276327 A pressure-sensitive adhesive copolymer material Related US, A li ti D t formed from (A) -80 percent by weight of at least {62] Division of Ser NO 629 Aug 2 1970 Pat NO one diester of fumaric acid and a saturated monova- 3.690931 i l i q lent aliphatic alcohol containing from 3 to 12 carbon atoms, (B) 18-40 percent by weight of at least one [30] Foreign Application p i Data, vinyl compound copolymerizable with (A) and (C) Au 8 I969 German [940549 from 0.5 to 15 percent of at least one monoolefinic v y polar compound copolymerizable with (A) and (B) 52 us. Cl 260/785 BB; 260/836; 260/73 R; having gmup carb9xyl l 9 260/77 5 R, 360/80 1 17/122 F carboxyhc acid anhydnde and dicarboximide; or from ll/138 17/161 1 (A), (B) and (D) from 0.1 to 10 percent by weight of [5 1] Int Cl C08 15/00 at least one monoolefinic compound copolymerizable with (A) and (B) having Self cross linkable g p [58] Field of Search 260/785 E, 78.5 BB, 80.73 from y y p y, NmethYlolamide, aldehyde and isocyanate groups; or from (A), (B), (C) and (D) and [56] References Cited which contains from 0.1 to 10 percent by weight of UNITED STATES PATENTS the copolymers of a crosslinking active polyfunctional.

Slocombc E compound for copolymers of the foregoing compol3; gllcxlmder nents in at least a partially cross-linked state. ancc 3.535.293 10 !970 Anderson 260/785 R 3 Claims, No DraWlngS PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVES This is a division of application Ser. No. 60,629, filed Aug. 3, 1970 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,690,937 granted Sept. 12, 1972.

This invention relates to a process for the manufacture of self adhesive tapes or foils having an adhesive which will adhere on pressure on the basis of copolymers of diesters of fumaric acid and vinyl compounds copolymerisable therewith.

It is known to use homoor co-polymers of acrylic acid esters or copolymers of acrylic acid esters with other unsaturated monomers polymerisable therewith as pressure-sensitive adhesives for making self-adhesive materials of various types. Furthermore, pressuresensitive adhesive coatings have been described of a copolymer resulting from copolymerisation of one or more acrylic acid esters with a small amount of a diester of fumaric acid, which contained 4 to 6 carbon atoms in the alcohol residue. The addition of the fumaric ester serves in this case to facilitate the temperature control during polymerisation and to reduce the cost of the end product. It also serves to modify the properties of the copolymer, e.g. for internal plasticisation. Such self-adhesive tapes or foils do not, however, come up to the elevated requirements which are required of them with respect to their adhesive power and cohesiveness, especially when they are destined for packing machinery.

A process for the manufacture of copolymers containing N-vinylpyrrolidone is also known, by the polymerisation of N-vinylpyrrolidones with esters of unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, wherein the molar ratio of N-vinylpyrrolidone to dicarboxylic acid is from 1 to :1. As dicarboxylic acid ester there may be used, for example, dialkyl maleates and substituted dialkyl maleates or dialkyl fumarates. The resulting copolymers can be used as adhesives for laminating foils of polyethylene, polyethyleneglycolterephthalate, vinyl chloride/- vinylidene chloride copolymers, aluminium foils, waxor kraft paper either to themselves or to others of the materials noted.

A copolymer made using di-2-ethylhexyl maleate and N-vinyl-Z-pyrrolidone can be used to make a pressure sensitive hydrated cellulose adhesive tape, but such adhesive tapes do not have adhesive and cohesive properties sufficient for self-adhesive foils.

Finally, it is known to make a permanently tacky copolymer by polymerisation of 100 parts by weight of a monomer mixture of 30-40 parts by weight vinyl acetate and correspondingly 6070 parts by weight of a monoalkyl ester of an a, B ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid or a dialkyl ester of an a, B ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid or mixtures of monoalkylesters and dialkylesters. There can be used for monoalkyl esters a, B unsaturated monocarboxylic acids with 3 to 5 carbon atoms, such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and crotonic acid, as for dialkyl esters, a, B unsaturated dicarboxylic acids with 4 to 5 carbon atoms, such as maleic acid, fumaric acid and itaconic acid. Each alkyl portion of the ester group should contain 7 to 12 carbon atoms.

The copolymers produced by this known process serve as permanently tacky adhesives, preferably in the form of a latex emulsion, for sticking difficulty adherable surfaces of polymers, such as of polyethylene, polypropylene and other highly hydrophobic polymers, to the same surfaces or to other material. For this, the adhesive in the adhesive join between the two stuck together surfaces should have a permanent tack.

The preferred application of these known copolymers thus lies in the area of permanent adhesion of large fabric surfaces (lamination of foils). Similarly, the known copolymers also find employment as pressure sensitive adhesives and separating coats. The known copolymers, however, do not constitute useable pressure sensitive adhesives for the manufacture of self adhesive tapes or foils, which as well as having a high adhesive power, have to have at the same time a sufficient internal strength.

The object of the invention is the manufacture of self-adhesive tapes or foils with a pressure sensitive adhesive which will adhere on contact, which satisfies the highest requirements concerning tack and quick stick, important especially in the use of self-adhesive tapes in fast-operating packing machinery, as well as concerning adhesive power on differing materials, including synthetic polymers, such as polyethylene and polyethyleneterephthalate, and which have self adhesive layers with exceptional properties adhering fast to the substrate, and which possess both high adhesive power and simultaneously good strength.

The process according to the invention for the manufacture of self-adhesive tapes or foils with an adhesive composition adhering on contact on the basis of copolymers of diesters of fumaric acid and vinyl compounds copolymerisable therewith is characterised in that an adhesive composition is taken on the basis of a copolymer which has been made by polymerisation of a monomer mixture of:

A. 50-80 weight preferably 60-70 weight percent (taken on the total weight of the monomers) diesters of fumaric acid with straight or branched chain saturated monovalent primary, secondary or tertiary aliphatic alcohols of 3 to 12 carbon atoms B. 18-40% by weight, preferably 25-35 percent by weight (taken on the total weight of the monomers) of vinyl compounds copolymerisable with the diesters of fumaric acid, such as vinyl esters of saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids, vinyl ethers, N-vinyl lactams, low acrylic or methacrylic acid esters or vinyl aromatic compounds, as well as either C. 0.5 to 15 percent by weight, preferably 2-8 percent by weight, especially about 4 to 5% by weight (taken on the total weight of the monomers) of olefinically unsaturated copolymerisable polar compounds with carboxyl, carboxamide, dicarboxylic anhydride or dicarboximide groups, or

D. 0.1 to 10% by weight, preferably 0.5 5 percent by weight, especially about 1% by weight (taken on the total weight of the monomers) of olefinically unsaturated copolymerisable compounds with selfcrosslinkable reactive groups, preferably those which contain hydroxy, epoxide, N-methylolamide, aldehyde or isocyanate groups, or both components (C) and (D), wherein for each of components (A) to (D) one or more components can be used, wherein to the adhesive composition is added from 0.1 to 10 percent by weight, preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight (taken on the copolymer) of a crosslinking active polyfunctional compound for copolymers of components (A), (B) and (C) and as required also for copolymers made using components (D), the adhesive is coated onto a substrate and finally subjected thereon to a short period heat treatment.

The copolymers according to the invention, which in the absence of solvents or thinners are tacky substances, can be used as self-crosslinkable adhesive compositions or as adhesive compositions crosslinkable by reactive additions. Thus, the invention also includes such copolymers of the composition given which attain the properties of good pressuresensitive adhesive composition only after the resultant crosslinking on the substrate.

Suitable diesters of fumaric acid (component A) are, for example, di-isopropyl fumarate, di-n-butyl fumarate, di-sec-butyl fumarate, di-n-octyl fumarate, di- 2ethylhexyl fumarate or di-dodecyl fumarate. These can be used either alone or in admixture with one another.

The vinyl esters of saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids (component B) can consist, for example, of vinyl acetate or vinyl butyrate, wherein both a single vinyl ester and a mixture of several vinyl esters can be used. The vinyl ester can be partly or wholly replaced, according to the quantity used and in dependence on the amounts of components C and/or D chosen, by other vinyl compounds copolymerisable with the fumaric acid diesters, such as vinyl ethers, e.g. vinyl isobutylether, N-vinyl lactans, e.g. N-vinylpyrrolidone, lower acrylic or methacrylic acid ester, e.g. methyl methacrylate, or vinylaromatic compounds, e.g. styrene. In this case, they can be used either singly or in admixture with one another, and, in the case of only partial replacement of the vinyl ester, must be copolymerisable therewith. By the term lower acrylic or methacrylic acid ester, there is meant especially esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid with monovalent aliphatic alcohols having 1 to 3 carbon atoms in the alcohol residue. For obtaining best results, lower acrylic or methacrylic acid esters and vinyl ethers should be present in an amount of at most percent by weight of the total weight of the monomers in the monomer mixture, while the remainder of component B then consists of vinyl ester, N-vinyl lactans should, as sole component in place of the vinyl ester, be present in the monomer mixture in an amount of at most 23 percent by weight on the total weight of the monomers; in connexion with a vinyl ester, about up to half the added amount of vinyl ester. In place of or together with the noted vinyl compounds, small quantities of other suitable unsaturated compounds can be copolymerised with the fumaric acid esters. The amount of the monomers of component B used to copolymerise with the monomers of component A is dependent on the type, reactivity and the compatibility of the monomers.

Copolymers, which are made only by copolymerisation of monomers of component A with monomers of component B, show even in the solventor thinner-free condition certain pressure-sensitive adhesive properties, but generally do not have the necessary inner strength. In order to achieve this it is necessary to copolymerise monomer mixtures which apart from components A and B contain up to percent by weight of component C, and/or up to 10 percent by weight of component D, taken on the total weight of the monomers.

The polymerised-in polar groups of component C enable crosslinking reactions of such copolymers with other reactive groups in the copolymer itself or with reactive polyfunctional compounds added thereto, and also raise the adhesion onto polar surfaces.

The class of monomers with polar groups includes, for example, monoesters of fumaric acid, maleic acid or itaconic acid with monovalent saturated aliphatic alcohols with l to 8 carbon atoms, and also crotonic acid, itaconic acid, methyleneglutaric acid, maleic acid anhydride or maleic acid imide, which likewise can be polymerised-in in singly or in a mixture with one another.

In order to obtain self-crosslinking copolymers, the monomer mixture should contain such unsaturated copolymerisable monomers which, as well as the olefinic double bond, have one or more reactive groupings in the molecule (component D) which are thus able to react with the polar groups of the monomers of component C or with one another. Preferably as copolymerisable monomers of component D, compounds are used which contain hydroxy, epoxy, N-methylolamide, aldehyde or isocyanate groups. Examples of this type of monomer are: hydroxyalkyl esters or glycidyl esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid, N-methylolacrylamide, acrolein and isocyanatoalkylacrylates and methacrylates. These monomers also may be polymerised-in in singly or in admixture. The quantity of the optionally useable monomers with reactive groups in the molecule (component C and/or D) for copolymerisation with the monomers of components A and B is dependent upon the type and reactivity of the monomers, which in turn is dependent on the number of reactive groups in the molecule.

The crosslinking of the copolymer on the substrate can result either by self-crosslinking (combination ABD or ABCD) if necessary with the aid of a crosslinking catalyst or with the aid of a polyfunctional compound added to the copolymer before coating onto the substrate, wherein in both cases temperatures between 50 and C are to be maintained.

The manufacture of the pressure sensitive adhesive copolymers according to the invention can take place by the known methods of mass, solution of emulsion polymerisation, but is preferably carried out by dilution polymerisation". This dilution polymerisation is a variant of mass polymerisation in which the monomer mixture is first polymerised without the addition of solvents to a high viscosity and is then, if necessary several times, diluted. The copolymerisation is as usual carried out under a protective gas atmosphere and started with radical initiators, e.g. by using organic peroxides or azo compounds such as dibenzoyl peroxide, di-tert-butyl peroxide or a, a'- azo diisobutyronitrile in mass, solution or dilution polymerisation, or watersoluble initiators, such as potassium persulphate, in emulsion polymerisation. As well as this, further polymerisation aids such as control agents, chain transfer agents and, in the case of emulsion polymerisation, emulsifiers, protective colloids, buffering agents and thickening agents can be used. The K-value of Fikentscher (Cellulose-Chemie, 13 (1932) page 58) serves as a measure of the molecule size obtained by the copolymerisation. It is determined by measuring the viscosity of a 1 percent solution of the copolymer in a suitable organic solvent, e.g. toluene, at 20C.

The K-values of copolymers according to the invention lie according in each case to the polymerisation bly about 30 to 70.

Before bringing onto the substrate, the copolymers or solutions, dispersions or emulsions thereof, can be mixed with additives, each according to its composition for further reaction crosslinking) on the substrate.

These additives can consist of a catalyst and/or of one or more polyfunctional compounds.

As catalysts there may be used metal compounds, such as zinc chloride or acids, such as p-toluene sulphonic acid or octyl phosphoric acid, in amounts of up to about 1 percent taken on the copolymer. The catalyst can be added as such or dissolved in water or an organic solvent to the copolymer.

As polyfunctional compounds, which are able to react with reactive groups of the copolymer, for example with carboxyl, hydroxyl, epoxy, N-methylolamide, aldehyde or isocyanate groups, for the process according to the invention compounds are preferably used which have two or more reactive epoxy or isocyanate groups in the molecule, or reactive thermosetting phenol resins. The amount to be used in each case depends onthe type of polyfunctional compound chosen and must be matched in type and quantity to the reactive groups polymerised in the copolymer. It should not, however, generally exceed percent (taken on the copolymer or the solids content of the copolymer solution or dispersion). Catalysts can advantageously be employed even when using polyfunctional compounds.

In order to obtain special effects, there can further be added to the coating composition, in small quantity, adhesive resins, fillers, plasticisers, dyes or pigments. The use of plasticisers is especially to be recommended if the proportion of component B lies at the upper limit of the range given, or if the adhesive tapes made using the copolymers of the invention are to be used at low temperatures.

The coating of the substrate with the copolymer or its solution, dispersion or emulsion can take place by normal coating devices on one or both sides, for example by doctoring, dip coating, trailing blade coating, bar coating or roller coating.

As substrates, there can be used foils of plastics or modified natural materials, paper, woven materials of all types, fleece materials, or fleecelike sheet fabrics, as well as metal foils, metallised plastics foils, asbestos and glass fibre cloths, foams or the like. If necessary, the substrate can be provided with an adhesion promoting interlayer.

The coated substrate is subjected to a short-period heat treatment to remove the solvent and to crosslink the copolymer, in which it is heated for up to minutes ata temperature between 50 and 150C, preferably between 70 and 130C. The period of the heat treatment may be shorter, the higher the temperature chosen.

The self-adhesive tapes or foils so obtained can after cooling be slit to the required width and put on the market rolled up into rolls. For facilitating unrolling, the rear side of the substrate may be provided with an antiadhesive coating or the adhesive side of the substrate may be provided with a covering material which is made adhesive repellent.

A further possible method of carrying out the process of the invention consists in coating the copolymer or a solution, dispersion or emulsion thereof onto a heated drum or endless steel belt, drying it on this intermediate carrier, partly or fully crosslinking it and then transferring it onto the substrate, such as, for example, fleece material or very porous paper, whereon the necessary full crosslinking of the copolymer in combination with the final substrate by means of a short heat impulse is carried out.

The advantages of copolymers of the present invention over other types of copolymers known for use for the same purpose, for example, those types on the basis of acrylic acid esters, consist, inter alia, in an easing of the manufacturing conditions and in an especially advantageous workability. The low polymerisation tendency of fumarates compared with acrylates facilitates the temperature control during polymerisation in the manufacture of the copolymers, so that for example in the use of fumarates as an essential component of the monomer mixture to be polymerised, a mass polymerisation without notable heat of reaction can be carried out. Compared to previously known pressure sensitive adhesive copolymers, important advantages also arise in the processing of the copolymers according to the invention in that, on account of their relatively low viscosity, it is possible to manufacture copolymer solutions or dispersions with a high solids content, and in the limiting case even solvent-free pressure-sensitive adhesive copolymers, and to use these to coat substrates. From this, substantial savings in solvent and acceleration of the drying process are obtained.

In this fashion, exceptional pressure sensitive adhesive tapes and foils are obtained, the adhesive layers of which possess all the characteristic properties of a good pressure sensitive adhesive. They are as follows:

a. high contact tackiness (quick stick), which exceeds that of comparable pressure-sensitive adhesives on the basis of other copolymers, such as those of acrylic acid esters.

b. high adhesive power to various materials, inter alia to metals, glass, paper, cloths, synthetic polymers of polar and non-polar type, eg on polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate surfaces, wherein this adhesive power likewise exceeds that of the comparable acrylic acid ester copolymers.

c. a good inner strength, sufficient for the most varied applications, even at high temperature, this cohesion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer being able to be increased for extreme specifications concerning hot strength by the addition of larger quantities of polyfunctional compounds or by further heat treatment at higher temperature.

Tackiness and adhesive power of pressure sensitive adhesive compositions according to the invention can be shown by the following test:

A foil is coated, for example a foil of polyethylene terephthalate, with a copolymer manufactured according to the invention, in such a way that after drying, a coating weight of only 12 gm/m is obtained. A strip of the adhesive sheet so obtained is adhered under substantial pressure to a sheet of hard sized paper such as an index card. Directly thereafter, if one tries to pull the strip away again, the paper is split; with comparable pressure sensitive adhesive materials on the basis of other polymers or copolymers, e.g. those of acrylic acid ester, this effect is not obtained, and in those cases, the pressure sensitive adhesive material separates from the paper surface on pulling the strip away.

The following examples will serve to illustrate the invention:

EXAMPLE 1 Parts by Weight di-Z-cthyl hexyl fumarate (A) 64.0 vinyl acetate (B) 30.0 monoisopropyl fumarate (C) 5.0 glycidyl mcthacrylatc (D) 1.0 acetone 13.3 petrol (boiling range 30-85C) 53.4

In order to make the copolymer, the monomer mixture was placed in a vessel of glass or stainless steel which was provided with a stirrer, reflux condenser, thermometer and nitrogen feed (a gas inlet tube), and which could be heated in a waterbath, oilbath or steambath. The mixture of monomers was dissolved in the mixture of acetone and benzene noted, and the mixture obtained saturated with nitrogen while stirring and warmed to the reflux temperature (48C). 0.2 parts by weight of dibenzoyl peroxide (75 percent in water) dissolved in a little acetone, were then added as initiator. The viscosity of the solution gradually increases during the continued refluxing. After 11, 13 and 14 hours reflux, calculated from the point of introduction of the initiator, the solution was diluted, each time with 35 parts by weight petrol of boiling range 60 to 95C. After a total reaction time of 15 hours, the solution had a copolymer content (solids content) of 34.6 percent by weight. The K-value of the so produced copolymer was 67.4, measured on a 1 percent solution of the copolymer in toluene at 20C.

For carrying out the K-value determination, the solution of the copolymer obtained as described was painted in a thin layer onto a paper strip provided with an anti-adhesive coating (release paper), dried at room temperature and finally dissolved in the required quantity of toluene to give a 1 percent solution.

The viscous solution of the copolymer was coated, using a conventional coating apparatus, onto a polyethylene terephthalate foil 0.25 mm thick. Thereafter, the coated foil was passed through a heated drying channel and dried for minutes at high temperature to drive off the solvent. Thereby, a simultaneous self-crosslinking of the copolymer took place, as the values in the following table shows:

Drying Temperature 70C 100C 1 30C coating weight gm/m 28.4 28.1 28.1 adhesive power gm weight/cm 499 464 431 holding power at 50C (min) 257 913 1 100 holding power at 100C (min) 12 33 1128 bandwidth, speed 10 metres/minute) five times. The test strips were pulled away from the steel sheet in a tensile test machine and the values given by that given in grams weight per centimetre (pull off angle 180, pull off speed 30 cm/minute).

For testing the heat resistance, or holding power, a 5 X 3 cm by 1 mm thick steel plate was polished in the long direction with emery paper and cleaned with hot petrol and toluene. A wide adhesive tape about 15 cm long and 2 cm wide was so adhered to the polished and degreased surface of the steel plate, that taken from the edge of one smaller side, a length of 2.54 cm lay on the steel plate. The stuck-on portion of the tape was then pressed on by one to and fro rolling with a 2 kg weight roller. The free end of the strip was now hung up vertically and loaded with an 800 gm weight thereon (400 gm/cm). The test was carried out at various temperatures (50C and 100C) and the time for falling off of the strip (and weight) measured in minutes.

To manufacture the copolymer, the monomer mixture was dissolved in the solvent mixture, as described in Example 1, and the resultant solution saturated with nitrogen and warmed to reflux temperature (53C). 0.3 parts by weight of dibenzoylperoxide (75 percent in water), diluted in a little acetone, were added as initiator. On continued warming at reflux temperature, the viscosity of the solution gradually increased. After 3 /2 and 6%. hours, starting from the addition of the initiator, the solution was diluted each time with 35 partsby weight of petrol (boiling range to 95C). After a total reaction time of l 1 hours, the solution so made of the copolymer had a solids content (polymer content) of 50.3% by weight. The K-value of the copolymer amounted to 39.9 (measured in toluene at 20C).

This solution of the copolymer was coated onto a 0.025 mm thick foil of polyethylene terephthalate and dried for 5 minutes at C. This pressure-sensitive adhesive foil showed in the dried uncrosslinked state an unusually high adhesive power, but, for certain areas of use, insufficient holding power. By the addition of a small quantity of a triisocyanate as a polyfunctional compound to the solution of copolymer, a crosslinking during drying at 70C can take place after coating onto the substrate. For this, there was used as triisocyanate, the adddition product of 3 mols toluene diisocyanate with 1 mol of 1,1,l-trimethylolpropane in the form of a 37.5% solution in ethyl acetate. The quantities given in the following table are based on this solution, calculated on the solids content following values were measured: coating weight adhesive power holding power at 50C holding power at 100C 54.8 gm/m 2101 gm. wt./cm 133 minutes 35 minutes EXAMPLE 3 parts by weight di-Z-ethylhexyl fumarate (A) vinyl acetate (B) mono-2-ethylhcxyl fumarate (C) The monomer mixture was saturated with nitrogen without addition of solvents and warmed to 70C, 0.1 parts by weight benzoyl peroxide (75 percent in water) dissolved in a little acetone, were added as initiator. The viscosity of the reaction mixture rapidly rose. After 3 /2 and 6 /2 hours, taken from the time of adding the initiator, the reaction mixture was diluted each time by 35 parts by weight of petrol (boiling range 60-95C). After a total reaction time of hours, the solution of the copolymer has a solids content of 59.2 percent by weight. The K-value of the copolymer amounted to 50.1 (measured in toluene at C).

This solution of the copolymer was diluted further with petrol to a solids content of -30 percent by weight and a cycloaliphatic diepoxide (Union Carbide Corporations ERL-4289) was added in an amount of 5 or 8 percent taken on the solids content, and the solution then coated in conventional fashion onto a polyethylene terephthalate foil 0.025 mm thick, and dried in each case for 5 minuted at an elevated temperature of 100 and 130C. Pressure sensitive adhesive foils with the following properties were obtained:

5% by weight diepoxide If there is added to the solution prior to coating on the substrate, as well as 5 percent by weight diepoxide, additionally 0.3 percent of a triisocyanate (as in Example 2), then after coating strong crosslinking is already obtainable at a temperature of 70C.

5% by weight diepoxide +03% by weight triisocyanate coating weight g/m 23.2 adhesive power gmwt./cm 471 holding power at C min 1 138 holding power at 100C min 1 138 EXAMPLE 4 parts by weight di-Z-ethylhexyl fumarate (A) 71.0

vinyl acetate (B) 25.0 mono-n-butyl-maleinate (C) 4.0

The monomer mixture, without addition of solvents, was saturated with nitrogen and warmed to 78C. 0.3 parts by weight of dibenzoyl peroxide (75 percent in 'water) diluted in a little acetone, were added as initiator. On continued heating of the reaction mixture at 78C, the viscosity rapidly rose. After 2 /2, 4 and 4 /2 hours, taken from the time of adding the initiator, the mixture was each time diluted with 35 parts by weight of petrol (boiling range 95C). After a total reaction time of 15 hours, the solution of copolymer had a solids content of (polymer content) of 46.1 percent. The K-value of the copolymer amounted to 47.1 (measured in toluene at 20C).

This highly viscous solution was diluted further with petrol to a coatable consistency, provided at the same time with further additives and coated on the carrier material (see following table). As components mixed in there were used an epoxy resin (a cycloaliphatic diep- O oxide; Union Carbide Corporations ERL-4289) as 8% by weight diepoxide Drying temperature (C) 100 130 100 130 coating weight (g/m) 27.1 27.1 28.7 28.7 adhesive power (gm.wt./cm) 61 1 552 627 589 holding power at 50C (min) 4070 4070 3985 3970 holding power at 100C (min) 13 4070 S2 3997 Addition Carrier Coating Drying Adhesive Holding power weight power (min) (glm (gmwt/cm) at 50C at 100C none polyethylene 30.6 5 min C 537 ll 3 tercphthalate 25 micron 10% Dicpoxide 0.5% ZnCl 28.0 5 min 100C 337 1276 1279 5% Dicpoxide polyvinyl- 0.4% ZnCl chloride 55.5 10 min 70C 1360 28 13 200 micron 7.5% Diepoxide Kraft paper 2% ZnCl 100 g/m 26.8 5 min 100C 300 90 Plastics coated cotton +1- 92.5 5 min C 207 8 4 cloth Hard polyvinylchloride 46.3 5 min 70C 365 90 not 100 micron measured -Continued Addition Carrier Coating Drying Adhesive Holding power weight power (min) (g/ (gm.wt/cm) at 50C at 100C Aluminium foil 40 micron 41.0 5 min 100C 25] 90 90 -H- The coating took place using an aqueous plastics dis ersion ofa copolymer on the basis of an acrylic acid ester (Acronal D",

BASF) at 70C EXAMPLE 5 Parts by weight The monomer mixture was dissolved in the mixture of petrol and acetone, the solution saturated with nitrogen and heated to reflux temperatue (50C). 0.3 parts by weight dibenzoyl peroxide (75 percent in water) dissolved in a little acetone, were then added as initiator. During the continued heating the viscosity rose gradually. After 6, 8, 11 and 14 /2 hours, taken from the introduction of the initiator, the solution was diluted each time with 35 parts by weight petrol (boiling range 60-95C). After a total reaction time of 15 hours, the solution had a solids content (polymer content) of 27.2%. The K-value of the copolymer amounted to 51.8 (measured in ethyl acetate at C).

The viscous solution of the copolymer was coated onto a foil of polyethylene terephthalate and dried for 5 minutes at 70C. The so manufactured pressure sensitive adhesive foil had in the uncrosslinked condition, an unusually high adhesive power. lts holding power at elevated temperature could be further improved by crosslinking with a triisocyanate (as in Example 2), as is evident from the following data:

without crosslinking agent with 4% triisocyanatc coating weight (gm/m 23.8 adhesive power (gm.wt/cm) 773 holding power at 50C (min) 8 holding power at 100C (min) 3 50 EXAMPLE 6 Parts by weight di-Z-ethylhexyl fumarate (A) vinyl acetate (B) crotonic acid (C) N-mcthylolacrylamidc in water) (D) interrupted. The copolymer still had a paintable consistency. The polymer content amounted to 83 to 88 percent, the K-value was at 30 (measured in toluene at 20C).

The solvent free copolymer obtained was, after the addition of zinc chloride (in the form of a concentrated solution in ethyl acetate or isopropanol) coated onto a 0.025 mm thick polyethylene terephthalate foil and then crosslinked on the substrate by a subsequent heat treatment (5 minutes at 120C).

The following values relative to the pressure sensitive adhesive properties were determined:

"/0 Zinc chloride (taken on the EXAMPLE 7 Parts by weight di-see-butyl fumarate (A) 25.0 di-Z-ethylhcxyl fumarate (A) 40.0 vinyl acetate (B) 30.0 monoisopropyl fumaratc (C) 5.0 glycidyl mcthacrylatc (D) 1.0 acetone 13.4 petrol (boiling range 30 to 85C) 53.3

The monomer mixture was dissolved in the mixture of petrol and acetone, the solution saturated with nitrogen and warmed to the reaction temperature (reflux temperature of the sollution) (43C). 0.3 parts by weight of dibenzoyl peroxide percent in water) dissolved in a little acetone, were added as initiator. The viscosity of the solution slowly rose driving the polymerication process. After 16, 18 and 20 hours, taken from the time of addition of the initiator, the thickening solution was diluted with a total of parts by weight petrol (boiling range 6095C After a total reaction time of 22 hours, the solution had a polymer content of 42.3 percent. The K-value of the copolymer amounted to 51.9 (measured in toluene at 20C The viscous solution of the copolymer obtained was coated onto a polyethylene terephthalate foil and dried thereon for 5 minutes at 70C with simultaneous crosslinking. After 24 hours storage of this pressure sensitive adhesive foil, the following values were measured:

coating weight 24.9 gm/m adhesive power 478 gm.wt/cm holding power at 50C 61 minutes holding power at C 12 minutes EXAMPLE 8 parts by weight di-lauryl fumaratc (A) 60.0 vinyl acetate (B) 30.0 mono-2-cthylhcxyl fumaratc (C) 10.0 glycidyl mcthacrylatc (D) 1.0 acetone 13.4 petrol (boiling rangc 6095C) 53.3

The monomer mixture was dissolved in the mixture of petrol and acetone, the solution saturated with nitrogen and heated to reaction temperature. (reflux temperature of the solvent mixture) (60C). 0.2 parts by weight of dibenzoyl peroxide (75 percent in water) dissolved in a little acetone, were added as initiator. The viscosity of the solution slowly increased during the polymerisation process. After 10, 12 and 14 hours 50 parts by weight isopropanol and after 16 hours with 100 parts by weight petrol (boiling range 6095C). Additionally, after about 6 hours, taken from the addition of the initiator, 0.6 parts by weight of dibenzoyl peroxide (75 percent in water) were added. On expiry of about 22 hours, the polymerisation carried out at about 70C was interrupted.

The copolymer solution obtained had a solids content of about 50 percent the K-value of the copolymer amounted to 40 (measured in toluene at 20C).

The solution of copolymer was coated onto a foil of polyethylene terephthalate 0.025 mm thick and dried for minutes at 70C. Parts of this solution were mixed with a) 5 percent by weight kaolin and b) 5 percent by weight titanium dioxide in order to obtain a white pigmented adhesive layer, and coated onto polyethylene terphthalate and dried as described above. The following values were obtained.

Mixture taken on solids content (copolymer content) None 5% Kaolin 5% titanium dioxide coating weight (gm/m 49.7 59.4 40.1 adhesive power(gm.wt/cm) 475 490 370 holding power at 50C (min) 23 14 32 holding power at 100C (min) 6 3 3 taken from the time of adding the initiator, the solution EXAMPLE was diluted each time with 35 parts by weight of petrol (boiling range 6095). After a total reaction time of 30 hours the resulting solution had a polymer content by wc'ght (solids content) of 32.2%) The K-value of the copolydi 2 th 1h y]f mt (A) 55 mer amounted to 47.5 (measured in toluene at C). fp ggy g 52 a The viscous solution of the copolymer obtained was m fi f g fumarate (C) 5 coated onto a polyethylene terephthalate foil and subsequently dried for 5 minutes at 70C with simultaneous self-crosslinking. After 24 hours storage, the adhesive foil showed the following values:

coating weight 20.5 gm/m adhcsivc powcr 358 gm.wt/cm holding powcr at 50C 76 minutes holding power at 100C 13 minutes EXAMPLE 9 Parts by weight di-Z-ethylhexyl fumaratc (A) 130.0 (65%) vinyl acetate (B) 60.0 (30%) maleic acid anhydride (C) 8.0 (4%) N-mcthylolacrylamidc (60% in water) (D) 2.0 (1%) The monomer mixture was saturated with nitrogen, heated to 78C and reacted with 0.3 parts by weight dibenzoyl peroxide (75 percent in water). The viscosity increased relatively rapidly. After 1 hour and 13 hours, taken from the time of adding the initiator, the mixture was diluted each time with 40 parts by weight acetone. After a total reaction time of 13 /2 hours, the resulting copolymer solution had a solids content of 43.9 percent. The K-value of the copolymer amounted to 45.7 (measured in toluene at 20C).

The viscous solution was further diluted with acetone to a solids content of 40 percent, simultaneously mixed 0 with 10 percent epoxy resin (ERL 4289) and coated onto a polyethylene terephthalate foil (25 microns). The following values were measured:

Drying Drying 5 minutes at 70C 5 minutes at 130C coating weight (gm/m 30.8 30.8

adhesive power (gm.wt./cm) 380 340 holding power at C (minutes) 28 1270 holding power at 100C (minutes) 7 35 The monomer mixture was saturated with nitrogen EXAMPLE 1 l Parts by weight di-2-ethylhexyl fumaratc (A) 97.5 (65%) styrene (B) 45.0 (30%) monoisopropyl fumaratc (C) 7.5 (5%) The monomer mixture was saturated with nitrogen, heated at 78C and reacted with 0.75 parts by weight dibenzoyl peroxide (75 percent in water). After 12 hours, taken from the time of addition of the initiator, the solution was diluted with 40 parts by weight acetone, and half an hour later with l20 parts by weight benzene (boiling range 60 to 95C). The polymer solution produced had a solids content of 48.5%. The K- value of the copolymer was 28.9, measured in toluene at 20C.

The viscous solution was coated onto a 25 micron polyethylene terephthalate foil and dried at 70C for 5 minutes. At a coating weight of 29 gmlm a high adhesive power was evident (610 gm.wt./cm), but also an insufficient cohesion for some purposes. By mixing with l percent by weight epoxy resin (ERL-4289) and 1 percent by weight zinc chloride, the cohesion of the composition could be greatly increased.

The pressure sensitive adhesive with the just noted additives can be used with especial advantage for coating self-adhesive labels. A label paper (85 gm/m was coated by a transfer process (Drying 5 minutes at 130C on silicone paper and then transferred): the following values were measured:

coating wcight 50.3 gm/m adhesive power: very high not mcasureablc since on pulling away,

the paper split.

holding power at 50C 31 minutes holding power at 100C 6 minutes.

We claim as our invention:

1. A pressure-sensitive adhesive material of an adhesive composition adhering on contact which comprises a copolymer formed from the polymerisation of a monomer mixture of (A) 50-80 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the monomers, of at least one diester of fumaric acid and a saturated monovalent aliphatic alcohol containing from 3-12 carbon atoms; (B) l8-40 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the monomers, of at least one vinyl ester of a saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid copolymerizable with (A); (C) from 0.5 to 15 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the monomers, of at least one monoolefinic polar compound copolymerizable with (A) and (B) selected from the group consisting of monoesters of fumaric, maleic or itaconic acid with monovalent saturated aliphatic alcohols of from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, maleic acid anhydride, crotonic acid, itaconic acid, and methylene glutaric acid, and (D) from 0.1 to 10 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the monomers, of at least one mono-olefinic compound copolymerizable with (A), (B), and (C), said compound having a self cross-linkable epoxy group selected from the group consisting of glycidyl esters of acrylic and methacrylic acids, said epoxy group of (D) being at least partially cross-linked.

2. The material according to claim 1 wherein (A) is selected from the group consisting of di-isopropyl fumarate, di-n-butyl fumarate, di-sec-butyl fumarate, din-octyl fumarate, di-2-ethylhexyl fumarate and didodecyl fumarate.

3. A pressure sensitive adhesive material of an adhesive composition adhering on contact which comprises a copolymer formed from the polymerization of a monomer mixture of (A) 50-80 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the monomers, of di-2- ethylhexyl fumarate; (B) 18-40 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the monomers, of vinyl acetate; (C) from 0.5 to 15 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the monomers, of monoisopropyl fumarate; and (D) from 0.1 to 10 percent by weight based on the total weight of the monomers, of glycidyl methacrylate, said glycidyl methacrylate being partially cross-linked. 

1. A PRESSURE-SENSITIVE ADHESIVE MATERIAL OF AN ADHESIVE COMPOSITION ADHERING ON CONTACT WHICH COMPRISES A COPOLYMER FORMED FROM THE POLYMERISATION OF A MONOMER MIXTURE OF (A) 50-80 PERCENT BY WEIGHT, BASED ON THE TOTAL WEIGHT OF THE MONOMERS, OF AT LEAST ONE DIESTER OF FUMARIC ACID AND A SATURATED MONOVALENT ALIPHATIC ALCOHOL CONTAINING FROM 3-12 CARBON ATOMS, (B) 18-40 PERCENT BY WEIGHT, BASED ON THE TOTAL WEIGHT OF THE MONOMERS, OF AT LEAST ONE VINYL ESTER OF A SATURATED ALIPHATIC MONOCARBOXYLIC ACID COPOLYMERIZABLE WITH (A), (C) FROM 0.5 TO 15 PERCENT BY WEIGHT, BASED ON THE TOTAL WEIGHT OF THE MONOMERS, OF AT LEAST ONE MONOOLEFINIC POLAR COMPOUND COPOLYMERIZABLE WITH (A) AND (B) SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF MONOESTERS OF FUMARIC, MALEIC OR ITACONIC ACID WITH MONOVALENT SATURATED ALIPHATIC ALCOHOLS OF FROM 1 TO 8 CARBON ATOMS, MALEIC ACID ANHYDRIDE, CROTONIC ACID, ITACONIC ACID, AND METHYLENE GLUTARIC ACID, AND (D) FROM 0.1 TO 10 PERCENT BY WEIGHT, BASED ON THE TOTAL WEIGHT OF THE MONOMERS, OF AT LEAST ONE MONO-OLEFINIC COMPOUND COPOLYMERIZABLE WITH (A), (B), (C), SAID COMPOUND HAVING A SELF CROSS-LINKABLE EPOXY GROUP SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF GLYCIDYL ESTERS OF ACRYLIC AND METHACRYLIC ACIDS, SAID EPOXY GROUP OF (D) BEING AT LEAST PARTIALLY CROSS-LINKED.
 2. The material according to claim 1 wherein (A) is selected from the group consisting of di-isopropyl fumarate, di-n-butyl fumarate, di-sec-butyl fumarate, di-n-octyl fumarate, di-2-ethylhexyl fumarate and di-dodecyl fumarate.
 3. A pressure sensitive adhesive material of an adhesive composition adhering on contact which comprises a copolymer formed from the polymerization of a monomer mixture of (A) 50-80 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the monomers, of di-2-ethylhexyl fumarate; (B) 18-40 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the monomers, of vinyl acetate; (C) from 0.5 to 15 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the monomers, of monoisopropyl fumarate; and (D) from 0.1 to 10 percent by weight based on the total weight of the monomers, of glycidyl methacrylate, said glycidyl methacrylate being partially cross-linked. 